Talents and giftings

I was quite nervous about this morning’s Sunday school lesson. After all, it’s not easy to do a sharing session about talents and giftings to a group of children between 10 –12 years old. What will they know about talents and giftings? Will they seriously search their hearts before sharing? Heck, they may not even want to share at all in class. Often, sharing times are met with replies of “I don’t know”, a shrugged of shoulder and a shake of head. Well, the next hour can be quite a challenge if they all choose to remain silent …..

I started gently with them on the paper craft lesson to show that they are all unique – made by God in a very special way and given special talents and giftings by God. And, as I challenged them to think about each of their gifts and talents, I was silently praying that God would reveal them to the children.

And, the children were amazing! When it was their turn, they shared unabashedly their talents and strengths. Some recognized their talents in singing, playing musical instruments, teaching, hospitality and strengths to discipline the younger children. Each of them chipped in on the giftings that they see in their friends, too. What a joy to see the happy looks and the big smiles around the room as the children began to realize and share about their talents and giftings! Their confidence grew. They talked excitedly about how to use their talents. Most importantly, they realized too, that they have a purpose in life, which is to expand and nurture their talents and to find ways to serve others.

Every child has talents and giftings given by God for a purpose.
I count it a privilege to help them discover each of their talents and giftings and putting them into good use.
What a wonderful hope we have in these children who are ready to be groomed to serve the Lord with their talents and giftings.
The world can take great comfort in this hope, too.